Venue Spotlight: Villa di Corliano

As a Melbourne-based wedding photographer and owner of Ten Acres Agency, I've had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the world's most breathtaking venues. But few places have left me as awestruck as Villa Di Corliano in Pisa, Italy. This isn't just another wedding venue – it's a living piece of Renaissance history that transforms your special day into something truly magical.

A Journey Through Time

When I first stepped through the gates of Villa Di Corliano, I felt like I was traveling back in time. This magnificent estate, recognized as one of the most prestigious Renaissance villas in Tuscany, has been captivating visitors for over 500 years. The villa's story begins in 1448 when the Spini family of Florence constructed it on the ruins of the ancient Pagano castle and the domus of the gens Venuleia, which dates back to 92 AD.

What makes this venue truly special is its continuous family ownership. The Agostini Venerosi della Seta family has lovingly maintained Villa Di Corliano since 1536, when they purchased it from the original Spini family in Palermo. This unbroken chain of custodianship means that every stone, every fresco, and every garden path has been preserved with the care and attention that only comes from generations of love.

Architectural Marvel

As a photographer, I'm always drawn to venues that offer visual drama, and Villa Di Corliano delivers in spades. The villa's exterior is adorned with 16th-century graffiti – not the modern kind, but the sophisticated decorative technique typical of Florentine Mannerism. These intricate designs create stunning backdrops for couple portraits, adding depth and character to every frame.

Inside, the villa houses remarkable frescoes by renowned artists Andrea Boscoli (1592) and Nicola Matraini (1750). These masterpieces aren't just decorative elements – they're windows into the artistic soul of the Renaissance. The current appearance of the villa was shaped in the mid-18th century by Ignazio Pellegrini, architect of the Grand Ducal court, who also designed the other buildings that make up this impressive monumental complex.

The complex includes not just the main villa, but also a family chapel, the historic farm (built in 1755), an oil mill, stables, a charming coffee house, and a captivating 3-hectare park. This isn't just a wedding venue – it's an entire world unto itself.

Tuscany at Your Doorstep

Location is everything in wedding photography, and Villa Di Corliano's position in San Giuliano Terme couldn't be more perfect. Situated at Via Statale Abetone 50, the villa offers the best of both worlds – the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside with easy access to Italy's most iconic destinations.

The famous San Giuliano spa is just 2 kilometers away, making it perfect for pre-wedding relaxation. The historic center of Pisa, with its world-famous Leaning Tower, is only 7 kilometers away – a mere 15-minute drive. Lucca, with its medieval charm, is 10 kilometers away (20 minutes), while Florence is just an hour's journey. This accessibility means your wedding guests can easily explore Tuscany's treasures, and as a photographer, I have countless opportunities for engagement shoots and day-after sessions in these incredible locations.

Wedding Venues Within the Villa

Outdoor Celebrations

The villa's outdoor spaces are where magic truly happens. The Green Theatre, with its 4,000 square meters of space, can accommodate up to 400 guests for a banquet. Imagine exchanging vows in this natural amphitheater, surrounded by centuries-old trees and the gentle sounds of nature. The lighting here during golden hour is absolutely spectacular for photography.

The Stables' Tondino offers a more intimate outdoor setting with 500 square meters accommodating 200 guests for a banquet or 400 for a buffet. The Italian Garden provides the same capacity in a formal garden setting that epitomizes Renaissance elegance. These outdoor venues allow couples to celebrate under the Tuscan sky, with the villa's historic architecture providing a stunning backdrop.

Indoor Elegance

For couples preferring indoor celebrations, the villa offers several magnificent options. The Hall on the main floor spans 160 square meters and can host 80 guests for a banquet or 150 for a buffet. The frescoed ceilings and period furnishings create an atmosphere of refined elegance that's perfect for intimate celebrations.

The Cellar Hall provides 180 square meters of space for up to 140 banquet guests or 180 for a buffet, while the Farm Hall offers the largest indoor space at 200 square meters, accommodating up to 180 for a banquet or 250 for a buffet. Each space has its own character and photographic opportunities, from the rustic charm of the converted farm to the noble elegance of the main villa.

Ceremony Options

One of the most romantic aspects of Villa Di Corliano is the variety of ceremony options available. The property features a consecrated noble church with 50 seats, perfect for intimate Catholic or Orthodox ceremonies. The church's historic architecture and sacred atmosphere create deeply moving moments that translate beautifully in photographs.

For civil ceremonies, the Municipality of San Giuliano Terme can perform the service either inside the villa or in the park, offering flexibility for couples who prefer a secular celebration. The nearby Romanesque Pieve di Rigoli, dating to the 12th century, provides another stunning option for couples seeking a truly historic setting.

Accommodation

What sets Villa Di Corliano apart from many wedding venues is the opportunity for couples and guests to stay on the property. The villa operates as a period residence and B&B, offering authentic Renaissance accommodation that extends the wedding experience beyond just the ceremony and reception.

Suite Accommodation

The Suite represents the pinnacle of luxury, featuring two rooms with antique furniture and frescoed ceilings. The Florentine terracotta floors and period details create an atmosphere of authentic nobility. Modern amenities include satellite TV, a kettle with tea and coffee facilities, and a refrigerator, while the private bathroom comes with a hairdryer, courtesy toiletries, and disposable slippers. The suite can accommodate up to 4 people and is priced from €120 to €200 per night.

Superior and Classic Rooms

Superior Double rooms offer spacious accommodation with antique furnishings, Florentine terracotta floors, and carpeting. These rooms feature double windows, minibars, and satellite TV, with pricing from €95 to €155 per night. Classic Double rooms provide elegant accommodation with period furniture and all essential amenities, ranging from €85 to €140 per night. For larger groups, Classic Triple rooms offer the same amenities with additional space, priced from €95 to €155 per night.

All accommodations feature portable air conditioning during summer months, ensuring comfort throughout your stay.

The Park

The villa's 3-hectare park is truly extraordinary. Enclosed within historic walls, this garden paradise preserves rare species and centuries-old trees that create a magical atmosphere for wedding photography. The park is part of the protected area of the Pisan mountains, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

During summer months, the park becomes a natural venue for celebrations, offering a setting of rare beauty where couples can dance under the stars. The interplay of light and shadow through the ancient trees creates incredible photographic opportunities throughout the day.

Culinary Excellence

Villa Di Corliano offers flexible catering options to suit every couple's preferences. The Corliano Restaurant, housed in the former farm building, provides authentic Tuscan cuisine using local ingredients. The restaurant's rustic elegance perfectly complements the villa's historic atmosphere.

For couples with specific culinary visions, the villa also welcomes external catering services, ensuring complete flexibility in creating your perfect wedding menu. This option allows couples to work with their preferred caterers or incorporate specific cultural or dietary requirements into their celebration.

Exclusivity and Privacy

One of the most appealing aspects of Villa Di Corliano is the exclusivity it offers. The property guarantees reserved spaces for the entire day, and couples can even book exclusive use of the entire monumental complex. This level of privacy is invaluable for creating intimate moments and ensuring that your wedding day remains truly yours.

A Photographer's Paradise

From my perspective as a wedding photographer, Villa Di Corliano offers endless possibilities. The contrast between the formal Renaissance architecture and the natural beauty of the park creates diverse settings within a single venue. The historic interiors provide dramatic backdrops for portraits, while the outdoor spaces offer romantic garden settings and sweeping landscape views.

The villa's position in the Tuscan countryside means that lighting conditions are generally excellent, with the golden hour providing magical illumination that enhances every photograph. The variety of settings – from intimate chapel corners to grand hall spaces – means that every moment of your wedding day can be captured in a different, equally stunning location.

Planning Your Villa Di Corliano Wedding

If Villa Di Corliano sounds like the perfect setting for your wedding dreams, I encourage you to consider it seriously. The combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, natural splendor, and modern amenities creates an unparalleled wedding experience.

The villa's year-round availability means you can plan your celebration for any season, each offering its own unique charm. Spring brings blooming gardens, summer offers warm evenings under the stars, autumn provides rich colors and harvest celebrations, while winter creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for smaller gatherings.

As someone who has photographed weddings around the world, I can confidently say that Villa Di Corliano offers something truly special – the opportunity to begin your married life in a place where history, art, and nature converge in perfect harmony. It's not just a wedding venue; it's a gateway to the romance and beauty that define the very essence of Tuscany.

Your wedding day deserves a setting as extraordinary as your love story, and Villa Di Corliano delivers that and so much more.